Jesse Jackson Jr. votes absentee, plans no election-night event

A spokesman for Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. says the Ward 2 candidate has voted by absentee ballot, and has no plans for election night. (WGN - Chicago)

A spokesman for Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. says the Ward 2 candidate has voted by absentee ballot, and has no plans for election night. (WGN - Chicago)

Katherine SkibaTribune reporter

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who has been on a medical leave since June and is seeking re-election next Tuesday, has voted by absentee ballot and has no plans for an election-night event, a spokesman said today.

Kevin Lampe, a Chicago political consultant, made those facts known in answer to questions from the Tribune. Jackson, 47, suffers from bipolar depression and gastrointestinal issues.

The South Side Democrat began his leave June 10 and has not staged a public appearance or campaign event since. After taking the leave, Jackson on June 15 entered Sierra Tucson, a facility in Arizona, then transferred to Mayo, in Rochester, Minn., on July 25. He left Mayo in early September to convalesce at his Washington home, aides said.

Earlier this month, Jackson was spotted drinking on two consecutive nights at a bar near his Washington home.

He re-entered Mayo on Oct. 23 for what clinic officials called a “follow-up evaluation” to “ensure he is on the path to properly manage his health.”